It was a historic night for the Ellsworth Wiffleball League, as Mayor Bill Peduto returned to his old stomping grounds for an appearance prior to the first round playoff action Tuesday night.

The EWL superstars cheered as Pittsburgh’s 60th Mayor strolled into the wiffle diamond and greeted players and fans alike. The Mayor accepted a plaque designating him as a Wiffle Ambassador before posing for several photos with the league. As a Wiffle Ambassador, Mayor Peduto will be charged with “promoting the great past time of wiffleball, testifying to the majesty of the game, representing the wiffle spirit, and exemplifying true wiffleosity.” After accepting the honor, the Mayor then took the mound for a ceremonial first pitch. He stomped in, wound up, and delivered a sinking left-handed wiffle curve across the plate for what appeared to be a strike. The crowd erupted, and the mayor shook hands with the EWL Commissioner before speaking briefly with the league about what they do for a living, where they live, and the history of the league. The Mayor explained that years ago he often played dek hockey on the same grounds which now host the Ellsworth wiffle diamond.

The Mayor delivers the ceremonial first pitch prior to Tuesday’s playoff game.

The EWL would like to thank the Mayor for making an appearance and would also like to thank his office for coordinating the event.

Mayor Peduto accepts Wiffle Ambassadorship while holding the official EWL game ball

Due to a previously scheduled Boys & Girls Club event at the wiffle diamond, only one playoff game was completed Tuesday night. The Ham Slams held on for a dramatic 4-3 win over Cookies & Cream, forcing a pivotal and deciding game 5 which will be played Thursday night. With the series tied at 2-2, the winner will move on the Wiffle Series.

Meanwhile, Eastbound & Dahn and Questionable Outfit will settle their series next week to determine who will advance to the championship round. Questionable Outfit is up 2-1 in the series, and Eastbound & Dahn will have to win two consecutive games to pull off the first round upset.

Stay tuned for photos and a recap of the Ham Slams/Cookies & Cream game 4 matchup.